When you picture Cornwall, chances are it’s a dramatic stretch of coastline that comes to mind – perhaps the craggy cliffs and sweeping bays of the north coast, the tranquil inlets of the Cornish Riviera, or the unforgettable silhouette of St Michael’s Mount rising above Marazion. These landscapes are undeniably breathtaking – but what makes them even more remarkable is that they’re all connected by one spectacular walking route: the South West Coast Path.

The Cornish Place is the big blue dot in the skinny bit of Cornwall!

Winding along Cornwall’s entire 300-mile coastline (and beyond), the South West Coast Path offers a front-row seat to some of the UK’s most awe-inspiring scenery. And thanks to the international success of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn – now a major film release – this extraordinary trail is finally getting the global recognition it deserves.

More than just a footpath, the South West Coast Path invites you to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and connect with the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a gentle circular walk or a full-day adventure, it reveals hidden coves, wild headlands, and sweeping sea views that often feel like stepping into another world.

Accessing the South West Coast Path from The Cornish Place

At The Cornish Place, our central location puts you within easy reach of both the north and south Cornish coastlines – giving you access to some of the most scenic sections of the South West Coast Path. While the full route is a several week challenge for the adventurous, it’s easy to explore in smaller, more manageable sections. From strenuous 10-mile hikes to gentle coastal rambles and woodland-linked loops, there’s a walk for every pace and occasion.

Whether you're planning an active walking holiday or a leisurely outing with family and friends, our luxury self-catered holiday cottages in Cornwall are the ideal base – complete with outdoor hot tubs for tired legs and peaceful surroundings to further coax you into a state of relaxation.

South West Coast Path walks near The Cornish Place

Soak up the gentle riverside and woodland scenery of Cornwall’s south coast, or the impressive north coast cliffs, with these walking routes that link with the South West Coast Path.

Mylor, Penryn and Enys Gardens

“Yachts drifted out to see from the syrup-smooth ribbon of dark blue, all heading towards Falmouth through the quiet, fragile tranquility.” The Salt Path

ylor Boart Yard, Cornwall — *Mylor Boat Yard, Cornwall*

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 7 miles

Best for: Woodland walks

Where to eat: Harbour House Flushing

Enjoy a circular walk through the peaceful creeks of the Carrick Roads and the bluebell-filled woodlands of the Enys Estate. Begin at Mylor Bridge, where free parking is available. Head uphill and take the first left onto Comfort Road. From there, turn left again onto Broads Lane and follow it until you reach a gateway marked “Private Road.” Continue along the public footpath.

The walk leads you through Enys, Gwarder, and Pencoose before arriving in Penryn. Turn right, head up Church Hill, and follow the path below St Gluvias Church towards Flushing. In Flushing, turn left after passing the Royal Standard and take the narrow path across fields to a road junction. Turn left here, then cross the stile on your right towards Trelew Farm and follow the road back to Mylor Bridge.

St Anthony Head Circular

“We watched as the gulls dipped over our heads to the cliff edge, then dropped towards the bay to join hundreds of others floating on the calm water.” The Salt Path

*Lighthouse at St Anthony Head, Cornwall*

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 3.4 miles

Best for: Views over the Fal River

Where to eat: Drive 20 minutes to St Mawes

Start at the National Trust car park at St Anthony Head and follow the coastline clockwise, taking in the peaceful views over the Percuil River. From here, head inland past St Anthony Church and climb over a stile to rejoin the South West Coast Path near Porthbeor beach. Enjoy sweeping views over the English Channel as you follow the path along the cliffs, eventually looping back to your starting point at the car park. Descend from the car park and over the bridge to reach Little and Great Molunan beaches.

Durgan and Helford Passage

“The land dropped gradually towards Grebe Point, smooth flat grass just below the brow, out of sight of the big house above.” The Salt PathDifficulty: Easy to moderate

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 3.7 miles

Best for: Wild swimming

Where to eat: The Ferryboat Inn

Park at Bosveal car park and follow the woodland path down towards the Helford River, where ancient oak trees line the water’s edge. Take a short detour to Grebe beach (if it’s low tide) for a peaceful swim before continuing along the road to the picturesque hamlet of Durgan – another lovely swimming spot.

From Durgan, head through Glendurgan Gardens and out into the open fields beyond, where you’ll be treated to elevated views across the Helford River. A little further on, you’ll reach Helford Passage and the Ferry Boat Inn – a perfect place to stop and recharge. This is an out-and-back walk, so simply retrace your route to return to Bosveal.

Penrose and Loe Pool, Helston

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Distance: 6.2 miles

Best for: Dog friendly

Where to eat: The Stables National Trust Café

This mostly flat circular route takes you around Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest natural lake. Along the way, you’ll wander through the tranquil woodlands of the Penrose Estate and briefly cross over the coastal path at Loe Bar – a shingle bank known for its dangerous waters.

Begin your walk at Helston Boating Lake, where free parking is available. Enter the Penrose Estate and follow the woodland path in an anticlockwise direction around Loe Pool. Once you reach Loe Bar, cross the beach before rejoining a wooded trail that leads past the estate café and back to the car park.

Please note: Swimming at Loe Bar is not safe at any time. The route is ideal for dogs, as there are no roads within the estate.

St Agnes Head

“The cliffs of St Agnes Head are desolate, scraped and scarred by its mining history.” The Salt Path

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4 miles

Best for: Amazing panoramic views

Where to eat: Driftwood Spars

Start from Trevaunance Cove Car Park and bear left up the road past the Watch House, continuing along the cliffside path. Stay on the South West Coast Path as it passes Newdowns Head and open heathland to reach St Agnes Head.

Continue about half a mile to where several paths meet and a track leads inland to a parking area. Leave the Coast Path here and follow the footpath across open ground. Keep left of the hedge ahead, until you reach a lane. Turn right here, to come out on the road at the foot of St Agnes Beacon (Beacon Drive). Cross the road and head towards the beacon. Bear left to walk around the base or detour up for panoramic views.

Rejoin the path around the hill, dropping left past houses. Cross the road and follow the footpath through two fields, keeping to the left-hand hedge, then onto a lane. Continue straight, cross another road, then follow the footpath to the main road. Turn left, then left again onto Stippy-Stappy Lane, and left onto Quay Road back to the car park.

Porthtowan and Chapel Porth

“The path skipped around the rims of deep hidden coves and in and out of car parks as it ran parallel with the road, the nearest of the road making it perfect dog-walking country.” The Salt Path

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.4 miles

Best for: Big, sandy beach

Where to eat: Blue Bar

From the Porthtowan car park, walk towards the beach and join the South West Coast Path to the right, just after the toilets. Climb up a steep hill, then continue along the cliff-edge path soaking up the scenery. If it’s low tide, you can detour left to Chapel Porth beach. Otherwise, turn right before the stream.

Head upstream along Chapel Combe without crossing the stream and follow the footpath through the trees. Merge with a track from the left and continue to the road about a mile ahead. Turn right, then bear right again at the next junction onto the main road. Take the second right onto Towan Road. Follow it downhill to the path above Porthtowan, then turn right and then left to return to the car park.

Our favourite South West Coast Path beaches

One of the best parts of walking the South West Coast Path is easy access to incredible beaches. Here are our favourites from the above walking routes – perfect for a picnic or a refreshing swim – which you can access as part of the walk or by car.

Grebe beach

Part of the Helford Passage and Durgan walk, Grebe Beach lies down a sloping path just off the road after you emerge from the woods past the car park. With smooth pebbles and crystal-clear water, it’s a favourite among Helford’s hidden beaches. Visit between low and mid-tide, as high tide can cover the entire beach.

Trevaunance Cove

Set below the village of St Agnes, Trevaunance Cove is framed by steep cliffs draped in gorse and heather, with remnants of an old harbour wall on the left. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, making it a family-friendly spot despite its occasional surf. Swimming is best at low tide during the summer when it’s calmer.

Porthtowan

If you’re looking for a big, sandy beach Porthtowan is where it’s at. Lifeguarded during the summer and with sand showing at all states of the tide there’s even a tidal pool hidden in the rocks on the right hand side of the beach. To access the tidal pool, visit at low tide.

Ready to explore?

Whether you’re planning a gentle stroll with the family or a full day of coastal hiking, The Cornish Place offers the perfect base to rest and recharge. Book your stay now and start your South West Coast Path adventure.

Walk the Salt Path: Stunning South West Coast Path Walks Near Our Cornwall Cottages

Accessing the South West Coast Path from The Cornish Place